Married a Stripper

  Relief washed over me. That made sense. He was rich, which would already make him wary of the reasons why someone would want to be with him.

  A well-known family name had to make it worse.

  “Bad experiences?” I asked, hearing something in his voice.

  He hesitated and then nodded. “One or two. I’m…” He blew out a slow, careful breath. “I try not to let it color my life, but I told myself I was going to make sure somebody cared about me the next time. I hope you understand.”

  My heart ached and I found myself smiling. “I do. And thank you.”

  “Why are you thanking me?”

  I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “Because you trusted me enough to tell me. I love that you felt comfortable enough to tell me that.”

  He caught my hand and lifted it to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back of it. When he pressed it to his thigh before putting his hand back on the wheel, I let myself breathe out a sigh of satisfaction.

  “I do understand,” I said again. “But, just so you know…” When he flicked a look at me, I winked. “I want you to know that I’m with you, not your name, no matter what it is.” I squeezed his thigh and felt his muscles tighten. “And now we can relax.”

  “No,” he said, pulling the car into a wooded turn out. “Not yet.”

  The car was still shuddering from the speed with which he’d thrown it into park when he pulled me over the center console and sideways onto his lap. I bumped my head against his window, but didn’t care as he caught me in a searing kiss. His lips were hard and insistent against mine. Almost immediately, I was glad I’d dismissed Kendra’s advice and worn a dress because Edward’s hand quickly found the hem and slid underneath.

  His mouth ate at mine, his tongue thrusting deep into my mouth as his palm slid up my thigh, pushing my skirt up. He cupped my hip and I felt the heat of his arousal burning against my skin. My own desire started to rise inside me and I whimpered hungrily, catching his tongue and sucking on it.

  He shuddered and shifted me until I was straddling him, his fingers tracing me through my panties. “You’re already wet for me. Did you miss me?”

  “Yes.” My eyelids fluttered as he rubbed slow teasing circles around my clitoris, working with the material to create a delicious friction that had me moaning and writhing against his hand. He chuckled as he moved his hand up to my stomach and then slipped it down into my panties. Two fingers spread my folds apart as his middle finger slid inside.

  “Fuck,” I whimpered. Wanting more, I put my knee up on the console, trying to open myself more completely.

  A second finger thrust deep and I cried out. His mouth sucked on the place where my shoulder and neck met, teeth scraping over the soft skin as he worked his fingers in and out with a relentless rhythm, not stopping until I shuddered and came against his hand.

  I was still trembling when he turned me so that I was leaning forward over the steering wheel, one leg on either side of his lap. I lifted up on shaky knees as he reached beneath me and unzipped his pants. I was glad we’d covered the condom thing before because there was no pause as he grasped my hips and pulled me down onto him.

  He swore as he filled me, his arms wrapping around my waist to hold me in place.

  “So tight,” he said, his voice muffled as he pressed his face against my back. “I’ve been wanting you so badly. I don’t know how long I can last.”

  “Don’t then,” I said. My body was still tingling from my orgasm and the feel of him throbbing inside me was enough to start the pressure building again. I moved one hand under my dress. It wasn’t going to take much to get me off again.

  “Are you sure?”

  I nodded.

  He gripped my hips and lifted me enough so he could move. My head brushed the ceiling and I leaned forward more as my fingers made their way to the place where our bodies joined.

  There was so little room to move. He didn’t thrust within me—it was more like a hard, deep grinding that had me shuddering, shaking deep inside, pleasure jolting through me hard and fast as I manipulated my clit.

  His cock pulsed and throbbed and I heard him mutter my name. I stroked myself harder, faster. His cock jerked and I arched, my climax slamming into me just as he started to come.

  I slumped forward, my body quaking with its release.

  His arms tightened around my waist as he pulled me back against him. I rested my head on his shoulder, enjoying the feel of him holding me, of our bodies still intimately joined.

  He kissed my cheek. “Now we can relax.”

  My breath was taken away as soon as I opened my eyes the next morning. We’d arrived rumpled sometime after sunset and I’d been so tired, I’d collapsed not long after a light dinner.

  Now, with Edward kneeling next to the bed with a mimosa and a devilish smile, it was hard to take everything in. Through the window behind him, I could see the river valley and tumbling green hills stretched out endlessly. The view alone was staggering, but I was here with him.

  I couldn’t imagine anything more perfect.

  “Good morning, gorgeous,” he said. “Sorry if I woke you. Are you hungry?”

  “Hmmm.” I looked back out the window and then at him. “Are we really hiking?” I’d do it for him, but I wasn’t exactly looking forward to it.

  “Well.” He gave me a sly smile that said he already knew what my answer would be. “There’s also a couples spa package, if you would prefer.”

  After breakfast in bed, we surrendered our day to the capable hands of the spa staff. Or, at least, I did. Edward had no interest in pedicures by the pool, so he swam laps while I enjoyed one, and a massage. I wanted to close my eyes at the heavenly pressure of the foot rub, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him.

  Even wet, there were streaks of gold coming out in his light brown hair. His hands and neck were slightly darker due to his days out on the polo fields, but he looked golden.

  I watched him, strong and lithe in the pool, not only because he was gorgeous, but because it was easier than taking in our surroundings. I’d never been in a hotel so luxurious and I felt out of place. I was sure the woman scrubbing at my neglected feet was shaking her head at the thought of another rich man dragging some pretty girl up from the gutter.

  Could we ever really fit?

  He was from a family with pedigree, a public image, and a clearly healthy empire. I was a country girl trying to make it in the big city, just barely scraping by day to day.

  What exactly did he see in me?

  When the spa attendant finished packing us into our mud baths and left us alone in the steamy Turkish tiled room, I had to blink back tears. Even here, the luxury followed us, reminding me of who he was versus who I was.

  “Is yours too hot? Want me to ring for the attendant?” His voice was soft, tender with concern.

  I shook my head. “No, no, that’s not it.” My throat tightened up. “I just don’t think I can handle all of this.”

  “The pampering?” he asked, clearly confused.

  “No,” I said. I couldn’t keep it inside anymore. “Edward, I’m out of place here. If it wasn’t for you, I’d never be able to afford so much as a glass of mineral water for the bar here. Doesn’t it bother you?”

  Mud squelched as he sat up, but he ignored it. Face somber, he gazed at me. “Listen to me. I’m paying because I want you here with me. I don’t expect you to pay for any of this. I probably wouldn’t be able to either if it wasn’t for my family.”

  “But you run their big company doing whatever it is you do,” I said.

  “And you write and get coffee.” He laughed softly and reached out, trailing a hand down my mud-slicked arm. “I’m surprised you haven’t been pulled into modeling. Kendra’s one of the big up and comers and you’re so beautiful. I’m sure somebody has seen you, noticed you…”

  My stomach dropped.

  “I did,” I said slowly.

  “Oh?” His brows shot up.

  “I did a s
hoot. Once. I was never called back.”

  “Sounds like it didn’t go well.” Concern darkened his eyes.

  The sight of it had my belly twisted. “It’s not that. I just…”

  “Tell me you didn’t end up with one of those slimy photographers who seduces every woman he gets in front of the camera,” he said, disgust thick in his voice.

  And that clinched it. Shame a hot, heavy weight in me, I lied. “No. It just wasn’t my thing. When he didn’t call me back in, I was relieved.”

  “It’s not for everybody.” Edward caught my hand and squeezed, swinging back onto the table. “I’m glad you’re here with me, Gabriella. I want you here with me.”

  Face burning, I closed my eyes.

  Between the guilt from the lie and the annoying sense that I wasn’t doing anything to earn what I had going on, it was almost impossible to relax, but slowly, bit by bit, I did. Succumbing to the heat of the bath, the tension gave way and the guilt that sat like a stone in my belly began to dissolve.

  I hadn’t intended to sleep with Flynn.

  I’d thought I’d sensed something with him, something real. But I hadn’t. Maybe he was one of those sleazy photographers. I’d put it behind me. There was no reason for it to cloud things between Edward and me and it wasn’t like it was going to ever haunt me again. I hadn’t even signed a release for the pictures, so he couldn’t use them. Photographers had to have a release—that was one thing I knew from working with Kendra. I had taken the money though.

  As to the opulence of the lodge, and everything else that came from being with Edward…that was just as complicated.

  Mentally groaning over the frustration, I told myself to let it go.

  You’re not trying to get anything out of him, Gabs. It’s not like you’ve ever asked for anything from him.

  Finally, the logic pierced me and the misery began to sink away. I hadn’t asked for him to treat me to these extravagances. I didn’t expect them. I was still working and struggling and paying my own way in life.

  I just needed to relax and enjoy what he was giving me…right?

  But still, the uneasiness lingered.

  So did the weight of the lie. Even if I tried to pretend otherwise.

  By the time we were done, both Edward and I were happy rag-dolls and I’d all but forgotten about the awkward exchange. As we headed back to our room, Flynn and the photo shoot were the furthest things from my mind. Edward was the most caring, considerate, and generous lover I had ever been with and I wanted to spend my time making him feel how much I appreciated him, not thinking about past mistakes.

  As he lay on the bed, loose in a plush hotel robe, I dropped mine to the floor and slowly crawled up next to him. When I saw his sleepy grin, I gave him a long, thorough kiss before trailing my lips down his jaw to nuzzle underneath his ear.

  The faint scent of lavender and bergamot was still on his skin from the massage oil and I tasted him with my tongue before trailing kisses down his chest. I could feel his heart thumping wildly as I pressed my mouth over it. His robe parted easily and my breasts brushed against his erection as I slid down his body, a singular destination in mind.

  He was already starting to harden, but still soft enough that I could take all of him. He smothered a cry when I took him between my lips and a thrill went through me. I loved knowing I could make him feel this way, make his cock stiffen and grow.

  I held him as long as I could before he was too big and I had to settle for wrapping my hand around the base of him while I began to move my head up and down. The thick vein pulsed against my tongue and he started to move against my mouth, until I pressed down on his hipbones with my hands.

  “Be still,” I said, lifting my head to smile at him.

  “Witch.” He groaned, dropping his head back onto the pillow.

  I slid my lips up, then down his length, loving the way the caress made him shudder. His hands fisted in the elegant brocade of the comforter below him. A raw noise left his throat as I sucked on him, taking him all the way to the back of my throat before changing to softer, slow licks up and down his cock.

  His hands left the comforter to grip my shoulders, tugging on me and I lifted my head to smile at him.

  “Dammit, Gabriella.”

  Coming to my knees, I crawled up his body and hovered over him. I was so wet, so ready for him. The inside of my thighs were slick with my need as I straddled him. Edward gripped my waist, staring at me with hooded, hungry eyes. I caught his cock, still wet from my mouth and held him as I began to lower myself down.

  He slid his hands up, cupping my breasts, plumping them together as his cock stretched me wide. The sensation was almost too much, too fast, and my legs trembled. Then he was fully sheathed inside me and I sighed at the way our bodies came together. I didn’t stay still long though. His head arched off the pillow as I began to ride him.

  His hands left my breasts to grip my hips, fingers digging into my flesh, his mouth open in soundless ecstasy. I felt him swell inside me and I cried out because it was too much. The head of his cock rubbed against my g-spot, sending waves of heat arcing through me. Edward started to arch up off the bed, rising to meet me until we were driving into his each other.

  The intensity of it overwhelmed me. I went flying into orgasm and I thought I was spinning, flying—then I realized Edward had flipped me over, planting me under him. He slammed into me and I cried out again. Harder, harder...he sent me into another climax just as he began to come.

  My body ached in the most delicious way and I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.

  When I came out of my shower more than an hour later, Edward wasn’t there, but I did find a luscious blue satin dress laid out on the bed. A thin black velvet box sat next to it and on the floor were a delicate pair of designer shoes. A note on the hotel’s stationary was propped up like a sign:

  The gifts I give you are nothing compared

  to your beauty, your time, and your love.

  All of which I want always. –Edward

  My heart soared. All of my doubts and suspicions were erased with those words and I dressed in a whirl of fairytale thoughts.

  Nine

  The Catskills lodge was old-fashioned, with a two-story curving staircase leading down to a chandelier-lit foyer. As per instructions I received via text, I went down on my own. I was practically floating as I came down the stairs and found Edward waiting at the bottom with a single white rose.

  He held it out to me. “You look like a dream come true.”

  I touched the delicate sapphire and diamond necklace, tears stinging my eyes. I’d never had anyone treat me this way before. “Thank you.”

  He leaned down and kissed me softly, a bare brush of lips but the contact was enough to send a rush of heat through me. He straightened, looked down at me for a moment, then tucked my hand in the crook of his elbow and led me down a candlelit corridor to the back porch.

  The wide porch ran the entire back of the hotel and offered a seemingly endless choice of white sofas, softly cushioned rattan armchairs, and swings. The whole expanse was lit by hurricane lamps and lanterns casting a soft glow on the other guests enjoying a drink before dinner.

  Edward and I each took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter before he took me down the stairs and onto a path winding through the great lawn. It swept gracefully away from the lodge and out to a breathtaking view of the Hudson River Valley. The sun was just past setting, the sky bleeding to a deep velvet glow. It would gradually give way to the inky darkness of night. Away from the soft lights of the porch, stars already twinkled in the cloudless sky.

  “I don’t think this night could be any more perfect.” I sighed.

  He clinked his champagne flute against mine and we paused to sip and stare up at the diamond glitter overhead. The silence between us was thick with tension, but it was a pleasant kind, the kind that promised something more to follow.

  “I meant what I said in my note.” Edward broke the silence. r />
  I kissed his cheek, not trusting myself to try anything chaste enough for public. “Always,” I said.

  “I was hoping you’d say that.” He walked me along a narrow stone path down to the rose garden where a stone fountain splashed gently. The underwater lights made the water shimmer. In the undulating glow, he caught my eyes and held my gaze.

  He brushed back a few strands of hair as he spoke, “I’ve never felt this way about any other woman. The time I spend with you is truly the best part of my life.”

  Suddenly, he went down on one knee and caught my hands before I could smother my cry of surprise. This couldn’t be happening. It couldn’t be real.

  “Gabriella, would you do the great honor of marrying me?”

  The night sky spun above me and I hung on to Edward’s hands to keep myself grounded. I knew if I let go, I wouldn’t even be able to stand.

  “Are you—are you serious?” My eyes were wide, heart racing.

  He looked up at me with a pained smile. Clearly, that was not the reaction he’d been expecting.

  “Yes!” He rolled his eyes. “How can I convince you?”

  I let go of his hands and cupped his face before leaning down to kiss him. It was short but fierce. “Like this.” His eyes were shining as he looked up at me. “Yes, Edward. Yes, I’ll marry you!”

  It was a little past three in the morning when I sat bolt upright in a cold sweat. The heavy diamond engagement ring winked at me in the dim room and I stared at it as my heart pounded. It was unreal, the flawless emerald cut diamond flashing at me like a star in the night. What had seemed like a fairytale dream now felt like the start of a nightmare.

  “What’s the matter?” Edward asked sleepily as my sudden movement woke him.

  “What if we’re rushing this?” My doubts came pouring out. There were a hundred of them and I couldn’t even begin to list them all. As he sat there staring at me, befuddled, I raked a hand through my hair.